Potassium is an essential mineral for the body, obtained mostly from a balanced diet. Potassium vitamins and supplements are available in pill and liquid form, but should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. They can help with conditions such as hypokalemia and are especially useful for people lacking in other essential nutrients. Potassium vitamins can cause mild side effects such as an upset stomach, but can be alleviated by taking them with food.
Potassium (K), not to be confused with vitamin K, is one of the essential minerals needed by the human body. Your doctor will help you decide if you need potassium vitamins or a multivitamin that contains potassium. They can also advise you on how much potassium should be included in the supplement you take. Potassium vitamins and supplements are also available in a few different forms, including pill and liquid forms.
There are several benefits of potassium. This essential mineral can help maintain blood sugar levels and is necessary for the brain and muscles to function properly. Most of an individual’s potassium is generally obtained from a balanced diet. Some foods that are high in potassium include bananas and potatoes.
It is not advisable to start taking potassium vitamins without the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor can perform tests to help determine if you need more potassium to treat a condition known as hypokalemia. Symptoms of hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency, can include fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness.
Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend potassium vitamins that also contain other vitamins. These are commonly known as multivitamins and contain various vitamins and minerals. These types of supplements are especially good for people who are lacking in other essential nutrients, such as calcium or iron.
On average, adults generally require around 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day. Humans in most parts of the world can generally obtain adequate amounts of potassium from a balanced diet. Most potassium vitamins generally contain only a few percent of this amount. However, if you have hypokalemia, your doctor may recommend or prescribe potassium vitamins with a higher percentage of potassium.
When choosing potassium vitamins, you’ll most likely notice that they come in a few forms. They may come in traditional pill form, for example, but they can be somewhat difficult to swallow. Your body may also have trouble absorbing the nutrients in the pills. Liquid potassium vitamins, on the other hand, are generally much easier to swallow, and can often be mixed with food. Some studies also show that the nutrients in these liquid supplements are more easily absorbed.
Potassium vitamins can cause some mild side effects when taken. An upset stomach is a common problem when taking potassium vitamins. Taking these types of supplements with food can help alleviate these side effects.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN